At least six Spanish international footballers, including five who had been on strike since the “Rubiales affair”, finally showed up on Tuesday September 19 at a first gathering of their selection in Madrid, after having reaffirmed the day before that they did not wish to play again with La Roja for the moment, according to an AFP journalist (Agence France-Presse).
The new coach, Montse Tomé, created a surprise on Monday by announcing a list including fifteen world champions and other players who had asked not to be selected, pending changes within the Spanish federation. But a few hours after the announcement of this list, most of these players reaffirmed their “desire not to be called up”.
“We think it is relevant to specify that the summons was not made in time and in the proper manner (…). And we therefore understand that the RFEF [Spanish Football Federation] is not able to demand our presence,” insist the players, referring to a FIFA article which stipulates that the federation must give notice of at least least fifteen days. “We regret once again that our federation places us in a position that we never wanted to occupy,” they conclude.
Spanish internationals who do not show up for their selection call will be sanctioned, replied the president of the Superior Sports Council (CSD), Victor Francos, on the night of Monday to Tuesday.
International scandal
“If the players do not come forward, the government must enforce the law. I’m sorry to say it like this, but we have to do what we have to do” Victor Francos warned on Cadena SER radio, while the CSD is empowered to take this type of measures.
The players have been on strike since Luis Rubiales, the former boss of Spanish football, forcibly kissed player Jenni Hermoso after La Roja’s victory at the World Cup. Mr. Rubiales has since been forced to resign, after the ensuing international scandal and the complaint filed by the player.
Concerning Jenni Hermoso, Montse Tomé said she spoke to her, without revealing the content of their discussion, before ensuring that not selecting her was, according to her, “the best way to protect her”.
“Protect me from what, or who? », reacted Jenni Hermoso, emphasizing that the same people who seek confidence in the federation “are today publishing a list of players who have asked not to be summoned”. “It is very clear to the players that this is another divisive and manipulative strategy to intimidate us and threaten us with legal repercussions and economic sanctions (…),” she said in a press release published on X (formerly Twitter).
Spain is due to face Sweden on September 22, and Switzerland on the 26th, in the Nations League, the qualifying tournament for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.